Brass Chain Measure

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Material: Brass
Dimensions: Length: 45cm / 18in
Place of Origin: England
Date: Probably first half of the 18th century
Maker or Retailer: Probable maker’s mark crowned GH (unidentified)
Present Location: Private collection

Explanation:

This curious brass chain measure is made up of 16 rectangular, cast links, alternately open and closed, each one inch in length. The chain terminates at one end in a closed heart-shaped link and at the other in a ring with a spur, each of them also one inch long, so the overall length is 18 inches.

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Each closed link is cut and then closed around the adjacent open links. The closed links are engraved on one face with even numbers, from 2 to 18. On the reverse of links numbered 2, 4, 6 and 8 is engraved the inscription WILLIAM HODGSON LING FIELD and on the heart-shaped terminal link is a stamped mark consisting of a crown over the initials GH.

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It seems likely that William Hodgson was the chain’s owner and GH its maker. There are two places called Lingfield, one in Surrey and the other near Darlington in County Durham.

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